49ers' players discuss Richard Sherman's postgame antics

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. ((AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) )

"He was just hyped up, man," 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Ahmad Brooks said. "He was excited. That's the nature of a competitor. They get excited about beating somebody that's good, because Crabtree's a good ballplayer, man.

Sherman launched into Crabtree unprompted in an on-field interview that transpired a short time after Sherman helped preserve the Seahawks' 23-17 NFC Championship Game victory by batting away a pass for Crabtree in the end zone that teammate Malcolm Smith intercepted.

"I'm the best corner(back) in the game," Sherman said. "When you try to come at me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that's the result you're gonna get. Don't you ever talk about me."

When asked who spoke ill of him, Sherman responded:

"Crabtree! Don't open your mouth about the best or I'm going to shut it for you real quick."

Brooks said players talked about the incident on the flight home, and they also viewed it on the Internet.

He dismissed the incident and refused to fan the flames of a rivalry that has intensified the past three years.

"I don't care about him," Brooks said of Sherman. "I don't care what other people do. They get excited, just like we get excited. Who's to say how some of our guys would have reacted if we would have won in their stadium?"

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Crabtree did not speak with the media Monday as players cleared out their lockers and said their good-byes.

Tight end Vernon Davis said Sherman has some maturing to do.

"He talks a lot," Davis said. "Sometimes, you just need to shut your mouth. You got the win. Be humble, be gracious and just accept it. You don't need to talk. I mean, you made a good play, there's no need for you to talk about Crabtree."

Davis congratulated the Seahawks for beating the 49ers and advancing to their second Super Bowl. He also offered Sherman a bit of advice.

"Maybe he could learn from other people around the league that know how to be a true gentleman, that shows good sportsmanship," Davis said.